Flights from London City Airport to the West Country are to resume this spring.
Regional airline Air Southwest is to start a twice-daily service on weekdays to Plymouth and Newquay from April 20. Flights will operate once a day at weekends.
Flights by a 50-seat Dash 8-300 aircraft will stop at Plymouth en-route to Newquay.
Fares, which lead in at £29 one-way including taxes and charges, have been designed to make the new service better value than either rail or road travel.
The new air link sees the resumption of a connection originally started between London City and Plymouth by the city airport’s pioneer carrier Brymon Airways more than 20 years ago.
London City chief executive Richard Gooding said: “Plymouth was the first UK domestic destination ever served from London City in 1987, and it is great to see the service resumed.
“Air Southwest passengers will once again be able to travel to London’s financial centres faster than any other way with this new service.
“With a check-in time of only 15 minutes, this new service will be popular with commuters wanting to maximise their business day.”
Air Southwest managing director Peter Davies said: “This London City service will revolutionise air travel between Devon and Cornwall and the capital. We expect it to be hugely popular with business travellers and have timed the flights to fit with busy working lives.
“Day-return rail travel to the capital can be arduous and expensive.
“With our new London City service our customers will save hours of travelling time, with great value fares.
“It’s also ideal for a short-break in London, and will help to increase inbound tourism to both Devon and Cornwall. ”
by Phil Davies
